You might start out doing levels, then switch to panning and then think about some distortion tips you want to try.
Then all of a sudden you don't really know where your mix is going.
I like structure when working, so it's good for me to have some sort of work flow when mixing.
Instead of bouncing from one music mixing idea to another, follow these tips here below and you'll be well on your way to that mix that's in your head.
It's a typical 80/20 setting, 80% of the results with 20% of the techniques.
1.
Volume You can't have your tracks all over the place.
And you can't have all your tracks at the same volume either.
Pushing up the faders and getting a balanced mix is the first order of business after you've recorded and edited your tracks.
2.
Panning Stereo is important.
You don't want all of your tracks fighting for the center.
If you have different elements and instruments, you need to find a place for them in the stereo spectrum.
Keep in mind that you don't want to tip the balance of instruments too much to the right or left either.
Instead, try to find a good equilibrium and balance between the left and right speaker.
3.
EQ The first music mixing tool after leveling and panning.
Equalization is an incredible useful tool for enhancing the sonic colors of your instruments.
Repair by cutting, and enhance by boosting.
4.
Compression Compression is what makes your mix breathe.
It can also squash your mix and choke out the naturalness of it.
Depending on genre, instrument and other considerations, the approach to compression varies.
Your approach to compression is a big factor in how your mix will end up.
5.
Depth Just like we put instruments from left to right with panning, we need to position elements from front to back.
By using effects, like reverb, delay and chorus we create depth in a mix.
You can't distinguish any space in your mix if all the elements are dry and in your face.
Plus a little creativity Between these five tips and a little extra creativity on your part, I'm positive your next mix will be a solid blend of well balanced and panned tracks, correctly carved EQ and steady compression.
Sprinkled with a subtle blend of interesting effects, you might just have created your greatest mix yet.
Then all of a sudden you don't really know where your mix is going.
I like structure when working, so it's good for me to have some sort of work flow when mixing.
Instead of bouncing from one music mixing idea to another, follow these tips here below and you'll be well on your way to that mix that's in your head.
It's a typical 80/20 setting, 80% of the results with 20% of the techniques.
1.
Volume You can't have your tracks all over the place.
And you can't have all your tracks at the same volume either.
Pushing up the faders and getting a balanced mix is the first order of business after you've recorded and edited your tracks.
2.
Panning Stereo is important.
You don't want all of your tracks fighting for the center.
If you have different elements and instruments, you need to find a place for them in the stereo spectrum.
Keep in mind that you don't want to tip the balance of instruments too much to the right or left either.
Instead, try to find a good equilibrium and balance between the left and right speaker.
3.
EQ The first music mixing tool after leveling and panning.
Equalization is an incredible useful tool for enhancing the sonic colors of your instruments.
Repair by cutting, and enhance by boosting.
4.
Compression Compression is what makes your mix breathe.
It can also squash your mix and choke out the naturalness of it.
Depending on genre, instrument and other considerations, the approach to compression varies.
Your approach to compression is a big factor in how your mix will end up.
5.
Depth Just like we put instruments from left to right with panning, we need to position elements from front to back.
By using effects, like reverb, delay and chorus we create depth in a mix.
You can't distinguish any space in your mix if all the elements are dry and in your face.
Plus a little creativity Between these five tips and a little extra creativity on your part, I'm positive your next mix will be a solid blend of well balanced and panned tracks, correctly carved EQ and steady compression.
Sprinkled with a subtle blend of interesting effects, you might just have created your greatest mix yet.